How to Keep Seniors Safe
According the United Census Bureau, the elderly population is expected to explode. A significant portion of these changes will occur within the years 2010 to 2030, and they are due to a variety of different factors including the growing age of the baby boom generation. While there are numerous factors that play a vital role in this major transition, it will result in 1 in 5 people in United States being classed as over the age of 65.
Many of these seniors are expected to live alone in their homes or apartments. Which means, there are inherent risks and threats that will need to be addressed because of the limitations in many of these adult’s capabilities as they begin to grow older. Based on information provided by specialists at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), some injuries are more common than others as they begin to age. Therefore, these and other issues are factors that should be considered in advance so that this group can live a higher quality of life as they reside in independent living arrangements. This said, here’s 5 recommendations for addressing these and other related concerns, and they should be considered before the growth of this segment of the population explodes.
Recommendations #1 – Invest in a Medical Alert Systems for Medical Emergencies
When a senior citizen lives alone, there are numerous things that their family is normally concerned about. However, because most people like to remain independent as they are age, there are certain risks that they may be faced with. For instance, what can these seniors do in the event that there is a medical emergency and they are at home alone. Fortunately, there are some provisions that can be made in advance, which includes investing in a medical alert system.
Fortunately, many of today’s medical alert systems are connected to first time responders in order to protect seniors and people with certain disabilities. However, before an individual makes an investment in any system, they should make sure that they are doing their homework. Especially, since it is important for their loved ones to have the best protection possible. For example, one common injury for seniors involves falls. In fact, based on information obtained from the CDC, a simple fall for an elderly person can lead to a serious injury including some fatalities. Therefore, it is important for these individuals to receive the medical attention that they need as quickly as possible. With a medical alert system, seniors can easily alert their emergency services and other family members through a live 911 monitoring center.
Medical alert systems are also used for other medical emergencies as well. Some of which may include chest pains, strokes, heart trouble, and the like. All of which requires medical attention to be provided as soon as it is possible in order to make sure that any serious damage is minimized and lives are saved.
It also important to remember that all medical alert systems include a feature that allows the elderly to push a panic button. These are designed as remote devices that can be worn all of the time. These devices are often made in the form of pendants, necklaces, watches, and bracelets so that they can easily be worn, even when taking a shower. Therefore, they are also made with a waterproof design in mind.
Recommendation #2 – Purchase Innovative Home Security Systems to Prevent Theft and Burglary
Even when other family members live inside the home, the potential for someone breaking in is more than common place today. However, the risks of something more serious occurring is a significant factor in living alone as a senior. In fact, if others that live around the elderly know that the person lives by themselves, they can be more at risks of being a targeted by thieves and burglars.
In order to minimize these concerns and have more peace of mind, one solution to these problems involve acquiring a home security system. In fact, the home security system that people choose can make a major difference in protecting lives and someone being serious hurt during a robbery. Therefore, it is important to research the types of home security devices and systems that’s available on the market today.
It is important to note that some of the most innovative systems include a comprehensive security plan. Based on the type selected, the best security systems will not only sound an alarm when the owner is on the inside of the home, but will also alert the owner when they are away. Also, if the owner gets caught out after hours (late at night) and cannot return to set the alarm system, they can set it remotely without having to return home.
Additionally, if the family is uncomfortable for any reason, some home systems are equipped with camera systems that will allow them to monitor the home visibly from any location Which means, if their family member contacts them about an intruder, they can view the outside of the home immediately, while also contacting 911 for emergency assistance.
Recommendation #3 – Seniorize the Home
Even though many retirement communities are geared toward making the elderly comfortable, there is a large number of the elderly that prefer remaining in the familiar surroundings that they raise their families in. Which means, they usually need assistance with ensuring their current home environments will accommodate their changing needs instead. This is why many professionals who specialize in retirement living recommend seniorizing the home as an alternative to moving into a senior community.
For those who are concerned about assisting with making the decision to remain, there are numerous factors that should be considered as advantages as well. Some of the most common includes a major financial advantage, specifically because the person that does not have a mortgage can benefit greatly from staying in their homes. Which means, their only housing expenses may include taxes and regularly scheduled maintenance.
On the other hand, if they move into a senior community, they may have assisting living arrangements that require an average living expense of $34,000 or more. In fact, based on the place that they choose, these expenses may range up to as much as $70,000 per year. Which means, it is may be less costly to remain in their present home by making the changes needed to ensure that they have a safe living environment. Making the essential changes does not have to be difficult when the family knows what needs to be done. Fortunately, there is a lot of great information available online that can assist with getting started. So, here’s 5 senior safety tips that most people focus on.
Home Safety Tips for Seniors
Senior Safety Tip #1 – Create a Safe Living Environment
Creating a safe living environment is one of the first things that should be placed on the top of the list. Many of the most common include clearing fire escape routes so that they are easy to walk through, ensure smoke alarms are installed on every floor, replace all smoke alarms with new batteries, and making sure the home is properly lit (all rooms on the inside of the home and all walkways outdoors).
Senior Safety Tip #2 – Remove Any Hazards that Can Bodily Cause Harm
Its not uncommon for the elderly to lose their balance or their eyesight may be poor. So, there are normally some hazards around the home that may cause them to trip and fall and hurt themselves. To prevent these things from happening, there are some repairs that may need to be done. Or, things that should be removed out of their pathways. Therefore, it is important to remove items that simply create clutter or may cause them to stumble. For instance, some people may like to keep throw rugs around their home. Even though these rugs may be convenient for wiping their feet, they can also be placed where the person may stumble and fall. By removing these rugs out of the way, it lessens the chances of sustaining an injury.
Senior Safety Tip # 3- Bathrooms should be made Safer for Seniors
The bathroom is a key place for accidents to happen. So, it is important for these places to be inspected closely for problems. From ensuring the shower has handles installed that the person can hold on when bathing to placing shower benches and chairs in the tub, there’s a lot that can be done to seniorize these areas. For instance, non skid mats can be placed inside the tub to keep the person from slipping and falling.
Senior Safety Tip #4 – Make Common Activities Easier
As people begin to grow older, they can begin to get weak. Therefore, they may need to conserve their energy when they are performing regular daily activities. For instance, to assist with better facilitating these needs, the family may want to reorganize their shelves to make the items that they need easier to reach.
Senior Safety Tip #5 – Seek Outside Help
Sometimes families do not know what type of help is available to them so they may neglect to take advantage of programs that are meant to assist them and their elderly parents. For instance, in some situations, they may need to consult with a professional when they are trying to seniorizing the entire home properly.
Senior Recommendation – # 4 – Choose the Best Independent Living Facilities and Locations
Since people are living longer and want to enjoy a better quality of life, many retirees are choosing to live independently as long as they can. In some cases, they may also choose to move out of their homes into a retirement community that will allow them to lead a more active social life. Therefore, when people are making this decision, they may want to prepare well in advance by choosing the area in which they want to live. For instance, some people may decide to move to a new environment completely. Specifically, if they are looking for a place that has warm weather year round. This said, this means people may want to prepare themselves financially to make the move so that they can choose a community that has all of the features and social activities that they are looking for.
Senior Recommendation # 5 – Use the Latest Smartphone App Technology
In this age of advanced technology, developers are creating all kinds of useful smartphone apps that people can use on a day to day basis. Some of which are designed for personal use and safety in many different settings. So, for seniors who like to stay busy and on the run, they may want to make sure that they have access to the best technologies available. Especially, the smart phone apps that apply to their lifestyle and their personal safety. For instance, in some situations, the individual may want to make sure that they have installed a GPS tracker on their phone. This type of tracker is normally used when an individual wants to check in with others during certain time periods. Based on the smart apps actual design, it can notify specific contacts by email and text messages.
Finding the best smartphone apps for an individual does not have to be difficult. Especially, in cases where their children and grandchildren are familiar with the apps that the elderly needs in order to save time and make their lives much better.
Based on information provided by the United Census Bureau, the population of the United Sates is changing dramatically over the next two decades. With a projection of 1 in 5 people being classed as over the age of 65, there is a greater need for independent living arrangements that accommodate the essential needs of the elderly. Planning ahead is one of the keys to making sure these needs are met. Some of these plans should entail investing in efficient medical alert systems to assist in emergency situations, purchasing innovative home security systems to prevent theft and burglaries, seniorizing the home for overall safety measures, choosing the best independent living facilities and locations, and using the latest smartphone app technology to keep in touch with loved ones and friends. All of which combined together can foster a safe environment at home and when the person is away.
